PICS: Dublin Zoo has announced the birth of an elephant calf

He is the seventh born in the last four years.

Dublin Zoo is celebrating the birth of an Asian elephant calf, which was born on Saturday (10 February) after a 22-month gestation period. Estimated to weigh approximately 90kg, the male calf is the second from mother, Anak and the seventh born at the zoo in less than four years. Commenting on the news, Gerry Creighton, Operations Manager at Dublin Zoo said: "We are delighted to welcome our new arrival to Dublin Zoo and happy to report the calf is healthy, strong and was standing within minutes of his birth." "It is fascinating to watch the younger females interact with the calf, as they are working together to protect him. Witnessing the sights and sounds of an elephant birth, is important to inexperienced females in the herd as it prepares them for motherhood." The newborn is a significant success for the zoo as part of the international breeding programme, which was established to assist the survival of the Asian elephant. In the last 70 years, it is estimated that the Asian elephant population has declined by over 50%. Dublin Zoo also provides ongoing support to the research of Asian elephants in the Kaziranga National Park, India. Anybody who wants to see the new arrival can visit the Kaziranga Forest Trail in Dublin Zoo. For further information, visit the official website here.